Death of an Unsigned Band

Tim ThorntonJonathan Cape

Death of an Unsigned Band is the new novel from Tim Thornton. Offering a fly-on-the-wall insight into the trials and tribulations that face an unsigned band, an anonymous interviewer follows Russell Groom and his band mates through the narrative. The style is interesting; with quotes from the characters separating the book into two parts and a documentary-type feel to the story.

The dynamic between the band mates is well observed: Russell Groom is the antithesis of a rock star, but his obsession with getting signed preoccupies the band and creates a believable atmosphere. The writing is realistic and fast-paced; however the novel lacks narrative tension and the stylistic quirk of the documentary is deflated slightly by the somewhat ordinary storyline.

Thornton has been a member of nine unsigned and two signed bands and most recently played the drums for indie/folk artist, Fink. As a result, he has a personal understanding of the industry and depicts it with great empathy. Entertaining and laidback, Death of an Unsigned Band is an easy summer read.

Bryony Byrne

Aesthetica Magazine

This article was originally published in Issue 36 of Aesthetica Magazine.